Unit Plan 16 (PreK PE): Active Play

Focus: Help children build continuous movement and activity participation through playful tag games that keep bodies moving for short periods of time in safe, success-friendly ways.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Physical Education (Active Participation • Movement Games • Play Stamina)

Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

PreK students continue building confidence in PE by learning that active play can feel fun, exciting, and manageable when games use simple rules and lots of movement. At this age, children benefit from short bursts of playful activity that help them move, stop, restart, and stay engaged without long waiting times. This unit uses jogging around the gym as the warm-up and then moves into simple tag variations that encourage children to keep moving, rejoin the game quickly, and enjoy active play. The goal is to help children participate in physical play for short periods of time while feeling successful, energetic, and safe.

Essential Questions

• How can I keep my body moving in PE?
• How can tag games help me stay active?
• What helps me keep playing during a movement game?
• How can I move safely while playing with others?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Participate actively in physical play for short periods of time.
2. Stay engaged in simple movement games with repeated effort.
3. Practice jogging, dodging, stopping, and restarting during tag activities.
4. Use safe movement and safe space during active play.

Standards Alignment — PreK (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S3.PKa Participate actively in physical play for short periods of time.
  • Example: Children engage in active games such as tag or obstacle courses.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can keep my body moving.
• I can play active games in PE.
• I can stop and start again in the game.
• I can move safely while I play.